Prince Edward visits London TA soldiers on exercise

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex has visited reservist soldiers from The London Regiment who are taking part in a two-week annual training camp in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

As the recently-appointed Honorary Colonel of The London Regiment, Prince Edward travelled to the training camp to see for himself some of the pre-mobilisation training that the troops undertake.

A spokesman for the prince said: “He regards being Colonel of the Regiment as a huge privilege but there is much to learn and no better way than doing so by visiting soldiers in the field.

“He looks forward to getting to know all members of the regiment as well as he can in the years ahead and being part of the regimental family.”

Over two hundred reservists are taking part in a final test exercise which comprises three, 24-hour tactical scenarios requiring them to draw on their core infantry skills. The TA soldiers braved the driving wind and rain carrying out night patrols and deliberate attacks.

The London Regiment is the only Territorial Army regiment in the Guards Division and provides infantry soldiers to reinforce the five regiments of Foot Guards. Since 2004 it has supplied over 420 soldiers for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The regiment are extremely grateful that His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex was able to visit us yesterday in his capacity as our Royal Colonel.

“This was a great opportunity for him to meet officers and soldiers and watch them being put through their paces on a very windy and rainy day!

“The Royal Colonel was also able to meet some of the soldiers who are soon to put their ‘day jobs’ on hold and mobilise for a tour of Afghanistan.”

Over two hundred reservists are taking part in a final test exercise which comprises three, 24-hour tactical scenarios requiring them to draw on their core infantry skills.

The reservists, who come from all walks of life, have braved the driving wind and rain carrying out night patrols and deliberate attacks.

The London Regiment is the only Territorial Army regiment in the Guards Division and provides infantry soldiers to reinforce the five regiments of Foot Guards. Since 2004 it has supplied over 420 soldiers for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.